ARE SOLAR PANELS A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT?

Many individuals and businesses are becoming more aware of their impact on the planet and taking active steps to cause as little damage to the environment as possible. We also all want to save money where we can, and solar panels are an effective way to cut down on your energy bills and do your bit for the environment.

Solar panels offer many benefits, but you may be wondering whether they’re a worthwhile investment. Initial installation costs can be quite high, so it’s important to make sure that solar panels are right for you. If you’re considering installing solar panels for your home or business, see below for our handy guide to help you decide whether to invest in a solar panel system.

HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK?

Solar panels harness energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. When the sun shines onto a solar panel, energy from the sunlight is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells in the panel. This energy creates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electrical field in the cell, causing electricity to flow.

The electricity can be fed into the National Grid, or used by the home or business the panels are attached to.

HOW MUCH DO SOLAR PANELS COST?

A single solar panel costs around £400-500 and the total cost will depend on the size of the building and how much electricity you need. Solar panels for the average household in the UK will cost £5,940, according to the latest government data. However, the price of solar panels continues to fall and the cost has decreased by roughly 25% in just six years.

The initial cost of installing a solar panel system can be quite high but you can expect to save a significant amount on your energy bills. Solar panels should last around 25 years and it can take anywhere from around seven to 20 years to recoup the initial cost.

DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

In most cases, planning permission isn’t required for domestic solar panels, as long as they’re below a certain size. Contact your local council first to see whether planning permission is required, as exceptions apply for listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.

WILL SOLAR PANELS AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY PROPERTY?

Solar panels can increase the value of a property slightly, but there’s no guarantee. 67% of estate agents said that solar panels make no difference to the value of a property and 17% thought they could actually decrease the value. Any changes in value will depend on several factors, including how much power is generated and the aesthetic appearance of the panels. Some people are put off by the look of a solar panel system, so bear this in mind before you invest.

THE BENEFITS

There are many benefits to be gained by installing solar panels, for both your household/business and the environment! See below to find out more about the benefits of solar panels.

SAVE MONEY

One of the main appeals of installing solar panels is the chance to save money on your energy bills. The average household could save up to £400 a year on their electricity bill by generating their own power using solar panels. Plus, if you generate more power than you use, you can actually earn money by selling it back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.

CUT CARBON EMISSIONS

Solar energy is renewable and a form of green energy, meaning it does not produce any harmful carbon dioxide emissions. This allows businesses or households to cut down on their carbon footprint and contribute to the UK achieving its carbon reduction goals. Cutting your carbon footprint also helps to protect wildlife habitats, communities and economies that are threatened by a warming climate.

24 HOUR POWER

Another main advantage of solar panels is that they provide 24 hour power. If you include a battery storage unit, your panels can store and provide electricity even when the sun isn’t shining. This also leaves you less vulnerable to blackouts and power cuts.

LOW MAINTENANCE

Solar panels require very little maintenance, besides the occasional clean. There’s no need to switch anything off and on, virtually no adjusting and little or no cost after the initial payment for the panels.

EASY TO INSTALL

If you’re installing solar panels for your home, in most cases the installation can be completed within just a day. Even larger projects will only take a few days, so you can start reaping the benefits in no time. However, you may need scaffolding in order to complete the installation, so check first to make sure there’s space.

DURABLE

Solar panels are built to last and you can expect them to last around 20 to 25 years before they need to be replaced. Some companies have claimed that newer models can last well over 40 years, giving excellent value for money.

VERSATILE

Solar panels can be used to generate electricity for household appliances, lighting and more, but they can also be used to charge electric cars! A relatively small system with just 10 panels is enough to charge an EV (electric vehicle) so you can maximise your green energy solutions. A company like GE National offers bespoke solar panel packages, with the chance to include extras like EV chargers and battery storage systems.

SO, SHOULD I INVEST?

If you can afford the initial upfront cost and want to help the environment, solar panels are a great investment. As stated, the panels will pay for themselves after a certain number of years and it’s a great way to save money on your energy bills.

However, it’s important to consider whether your home or workplace is suitable for solar panel installation. Solar PV panels are worth the investment if you have a mainly south-facing roof with little to no shade. A south-west or south-east facing roof can still work, but be aware that you won’t get as much power.

It’s also more worthwhile if you have no plans to move in the near future, as it’s counterproductive to spend lots of money on solar panels and then move! The tilt angle of the roof also affects how much power can be generated and you’ll tend to get more power if you live in the south of the UK. If you’re still unsure, you can use a solar energy calculator to give an idea of the benefits you may see from installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

This tool estimates potential payments from the Smart Export Guarantee (introduced in January 2020), which requires energy suppliers to pay customers for the electricity they export to the grid. If there’s an opportunity to make a significant amount of money and save on your energy bills, it’s safe to assume that solar panels are a good investment.

SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS IN PRESTON FROM GE NATIONAL

If you’re looking to reduce your energy consumption and save money on your electricity bills, consider solar panel installation from GE National. We’re proud to offer solar PV installation for both domestic and commercial customers, at highly competitive rates. We also specialise in maintaining and repairing a range of solar products to keep your system in the best condition possible. Unsure about whether solar panels are right for you? Send us a picture of your property and we can give expert advice on where solar panels should be placed, along with a free quote.

We’re fully insured and offer installation anywhere in the UK, so give us a call today or contact us online to find out more.